EU has completed the signing of a memorandum of understanding on the Clean Energy for EU Islands initiative.
Energy commissioner Kadri Simson has signed for the Commission alongside 14 member states.
EU islands have the potential to pioneer the clean energy transition and this initiative puts them in the spotlight.
Specifically, this can bring benefits such as local jobs creation, economic activity and lower energy bills.
It also contributes to the reduction of energy dependence thanks to the sustainable exploitation of local resources.
Moreover, it will support the EU’s post-COVID economic recovery efforts.
The memorandum establishes a long-term framework for cooperation to advance the energy transition for European islands.
It calls for the continuation of the Islands Secretariat and supports cooperation to identify common solutions and best practices helping islands facing common challenges that cannot be addressed simply at island-level.
Background
Islands are in a favourable position to make a successful transition to clean energy.
They have potential for renewable energy, which could combine with energy efficiency measures and also flexibility solutions to create decarbonised local energy systems.
Achieving the clean energy transition of islands will contribute to realising the objectives of the European Green Deal.
The Commission in May 2017 launched the Clean Energy for EU Islands Initiative as part of the Clean Energy package.
A Clean Energy for EU Islands Secretariat was also established to support the islands, as well as a Clean Energy for EU Islands Forum.